Punctuation is among the invisible frameworks of writing. They guide readers, helps make meaning clear, and ensure that ideas come across the way the writer wants them to. Of particular concern are complicated sentences that require judgment when applying punctuation rules. Complex sentences can quickly become confusing or misleading and cloud the writer’s intent without proper punctuation.
In this article, we will examine how to punctuate complicated sentences correctly to enhance clarity, precision, and style in your writing.
Identifying Clauses: Independent and Dependent Clauses
Before discussing punctuation rules, let’s consider independent and dependent clauses—the building blocks of the complex sentence.
What’s An Independent Clause?
A dependent clause is a collection of words that express an incomplete thought and can not pass as a sentence by itself. It needs to come after an independent clause. It, too, must contain a subject-verb relationship but needs to convey a partial meaning per se.
- Example: I love reading books.
This sentence is simple, but it stands independently and makes complete sense.
Here’s What Dependent Clauses Are Like
A dependent or subordinate clause is a group of words containing a subject and verb but not expressing a complete thought. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- Example: Because I love reading books.
This is not a complete sentence; it leaves the reader waiting for added input. It needs an independent clause to make a complete thought, like this:
- Complete sentence: Because I love reading books, I spend hours in the library.
Understanding the distinction between independent and dependent clauses is paramount, as that gives a definite mark for punctuation. A complex sentence combines these two clauses to create more detailed and subtle meanings. Three of the most common ways to punctuate complex sentences are commas, semicolons, and colons- all three falling within the following scope of discussion.
Punctuation Rules: Using Commas, Semicolons, and Colons in Complex Sentences
Punctuation within a complex sentence plays a role, ranging from separating ideas to determining the relationship between clauses. This article discusses the correct use of commas, semicolons, and colons in complex sentences.
Can You Use Commas in Complex Sentences?
Probably, commas are the most commonly used punctuation mark in complex sentences, but their placement has to be exact or it can create confusion
When Dependent Clause Comes First
You must always use a comma with a dependent clause leading into the sentence. Where the partial thought of a dependent clause precedes the complete thought of an independent clause, a comma carries the dependent clause’s thought onto the independent clause.
- Example: Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
Because this dependent clause introduces a reason, and the comma before the independent clause-we decided to cancel the picnic-helps to guide the reader through the relationship between these two parts.
Another example:
- Although the movie was long, it kept me entertained throughout.
When the Independent Clause Comes First
No comma is used between clauses when an independent clause comes first in a complex sentence. The transition from a complete thought to an added, dependent thought is smooth enough that no punctuation is necessary.
- Example: We canceled the picnic because it was raining.
Here, the independent clause comes first. We decided to cancel the picnic first, then the dependent clause because it was raining, and we had no comma after the first clause.
This rule holds good with other conjunctions like :
- He studied hard because he wanted to pass the exam.
- She left the meeting early though she had more to say.
Nonessential Information and Interrupting Clauses
Sometimes, a dependent clause or phrase provides additional but nonessential information to the sentence. Since the information is not essential to the sentence, it should be separated from the rest of the sentence with commas. This interrupts the flow but doesn’t change the basic meaning of the sentence.
- For Example: My friend, who lives in Chicago, is visiting this weekend.
The dependent clause, who lives in Chicago, provides additional, nonessential information. Even if you removed that clause, the sentence would still make sense: My friend is visiting this weekend.
Contrasted:
- The book, which was published last year, became a bestseller.
Using Semicolons in Complex Sentences
While commas often separate an independent clause from a dependent clause, semicolons have one particular job: they separate two closely connected independent clauses that are, in effect, equal and which could stand on their own as separate sentences.
Independent Clause Conjunction
Semicolons indicate that two independent clauses, while closely related in thought, are independent and could stand as separate sentences. A semicolon provides a longer pause than a comma but a shorter one than a period.
- Example: I love to write; I love its expressive qualities.
Here, both independent clauses are complete sentences and can stand alone: I love to write, and it enables me to express myself.
- Example: The sun began to set; the sky became ablaze with orange color.
The Secret to Semicolons in Conjunctive Adverbs
Another use of semicolons is before such conjunctive adverbs as however, therefore, consequently, and nevertheless when joining two independent clauses.
- Example: He wanted to go to the party; however, he needed to finish his work first.
The semicolon above would divide two complete thoughts while “however” presents a transition showing contrast.
Semicolons in Complex Lists
Semicolons are most useful, however, when items in a series contain commas. This helps to avoid confusion by clearly separating each item in the series.
- Example: On our road trip we visited Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Providence, Rhode Island.
In this series, commas within the city/state pairs do not affect the reader’s ability to tell where each item in the series ends.
How to Use Colons in Complex Sentences
Conventionally, colons have been used in complex sentences to introduce additional information, explanations, or lists.
- Example: She had one thing on her mind: to win the competition.
In this sentence the colon precedes a more specific explanation of what the first clause refers to.
Quotations or Examples
Colons can also appear before quotations or examples that develop the assertion in the independent clause:
- Example: He gave me one piece of advice: “Never give up.”
In this sentence, the colon introduces the quotation that names or explains the assertion in the independent clause.
You can also use colons to introduce lists, even in complicated sentences:
- We must buy several things for the trip: a tent, sleeping bags, and a flashlight.
What Are Some Common Punctuation Errors? Misplaced Commas, Run-on Sentences, and More
Misplaced or Missing Commas
A common mistake in complicated sentences is putting commas either where they shouldn’t go or failing to put them where they DO go.
Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when you join two independent clauses using only a comma.
- Erroneous: I love reading, it helps me relax.
The above sentence is incorrect since it contains two independent clauses, which you can’t connect with a comma alone but by a semicolon, period, and conjunction to advantage.
- Correct: I love reading; it gives me relaxation.
- Also Correct: I love reading, and it relaxes me.
Lacking Comma After Dependent Clause
Another frequent error is the failure to include a comma after the dependent clause introducing a sentence.
- Mistake: It was raining I stayed inside
- Right: Because it was raining, I stayed inside
The comma after the dependent clause removes confusion.
Comma Splices
A run-on sentence is when two or more independent clauses are not a correct separation between them. This creates discomfort while reading and comprehension.
- Incorrect: I went to the store it was closed.
We must correctly separate the independent clauses with punctuation to correct this kind of run-on sentence.
- Correct: I went to the store, but it was closed.
- Correct: I went to the store; it was closed.
Examples: Practicing Correct Comma, Semicolon, and Colon Usage for Perfect Writing
Here are a few examples of correctly comma-paced complex sentences. Notice how adding commas, semicolons, and colons can clarify how the ideas relate.
With commas:
- Though the weather was abhorrent, they pressed on.
- He cooks, and in the end, it relaxes him.
Using semicolon:
- The meeting ran late; we missed our train.
- She likes hiking; however, she will never take a beach instead of the mountain.
Utilizing colons:
- There was only one hitch: we forgot the tickets.
- There are three ingredients that the recipe requires: flour, sugar, and eggs.
Conclusion: Mastering Punctuation Can Make You a Better Writer!
Good punctuation in complex sentences is an essential ingredient of good communication. When one understands the use of commas, semicolons, and colons in sentence formation, sentences are grammatically correct and packed with meaning but easy to follow. Proper punctuation polishes your writing, flows smoothly, and validates the relationships between ideas, reinforcing and powering up your message.
